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FAQ for Parents

Counseling Services

We recognize that you play an important role in your loved one’s life and that it can be difficult to navigate the transition to parenting a college student.

Here are some questions we are frequently asked. If your question isn't answered, feel free to reach out to us directly at 615-460-6856 or counseling@belmont.edu.

We strongly encourage incoming students to replicate services they currently have at home here in the Nashville community.

BUCS staff are available to talk to students prior to their arrival on campus as we are open all summer. Encourage your student to reach out to us now to set up a virtual or in person consultation. Mental health services in the Nashville area may have waiting times, and we want to ensure each individual is set up for success!

Once students arrive on campus, they are welcome to contact us via phone, email, or schedule a consultation through their Health Portal.

We encourage you to speak directly to your student about any concerns you have about their mental health treatment and attendance at sessions.

In accordance with state and federal laws regarding mental health care in TN, we cannot release any information about a student unless that student provides written consent.

If a counselor believes a student presents as an imminent danger to him/her/them-self or others, the counselor will reach out to the emergency contact directly without written consent.

For any emergency situation, please contact the Office of Campus Security at (615) 460-6911. They are open 24/7 and can get whatever support is needed quickly mobilized.

If you are concerned about a student's mental health and well-being and it is not an emergency, you can contact either or both of these offices:

  • Counseling Office at (615) 460-6856. The office is open from 8 am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday and is located in 218 Gabhart. 
  • Office of Student Care & Support - Student Care & Support has the ability to coordinate care with Residence Life and other support offices on campus. Their are the hub of campus resources for students.

Appointments can only be made by students themselves. We strive to make our services easily accessible, and students can schedule appointments through their Health Portal. They are also welcome to call or email us if they prefer.

If your student needs to be seen immediately or has difficulty finding an appointment that works with their schedule, they can contact us directly by email or phone.

We offer free, confidential, short-term mental health care, wellness education, and crisis support to the student body. Therapeutic and drop-in groups are offered throughout the year as well.

Specialized treatment (i.e. eating disorder treatment, substance use treatment, long-term therapy requests) are referred out to local providers.

Most of our events are listed on our Bruinlink site.

Yes, all full-time clinical staff are licensed in the state of TN. We are a training facility for master's and doctoral level practicum students. These students work under the direct supervision of our licensed clinical staff.

You can see a list of our staff and their credentials on our Meet the Staff page.

Resources

We recognize that parents and family members have their own transitions to navigate when a student enters college. Here are some resources you may find helpful during this time.

The suggested readings below share both research and guidance on how best to support yourself, your student, and your family through their first year and beyond:

Office Hours & Location

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Location:
Gabhart Student Center 220

Contact Us:
Phone: 615.460.6856
Email: counseling@belmont.edu

Are you in crisis?

Student Concern?